A controversy has erupted around Gauri Khan’s luxury Mumbai restaurant, Torii, after popular YouTuber Sarthak Sachdeva alleged that the restaurant served “fake paneer”—a claim that has sparked heated discussions online.
In a viral video, Sachdeva conducted what he called a “purity test” on paneer using iodine tincture, which is known to turn black in the presence of starch, a common adulterant in low-quality or synthetic paneer. While other celebrity-owned restaurants like Virat Kohli’s One8 Commune, Shilpa Shetty’s Bastian, and Bobby Deol’s Someplace Else passed the test with no black discoloration, Torii’s paneer turned black, prompting Sachdeva to dramatically declare:
“Shah Rukh Khan ke restaurant mein paneer nakli tha… mere toh hosh udd gaye the.”
Torii’s Firm Response
The restaurant, however, dismissed the allegations outright, defending both the quality of the paneer and the methodology used in the test:
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They stated that the iodine test doesn’t determine the authenticity of paneer, but rather detects starch, which could naturally appear if soy-based ingredients or starch thickeners are used in the dish.
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“We stand by the purity of our paneer and the integrity of our ingredients,” the restaurant commented on social media.
In a more formal statement, Torii emphasized:
“From sourcing produce to plating dishes, we follow strict quality checks. Our commitment to culinary excellence is unwavering.”
Public Reaction and Industry Buzz
The video has stirred a mix of shock, skepticism, and debate online. While some viewers lauded Sachdeva for raising food safety concerns at elite establishments, others questioned the scientific basis of his testing method and whether it fairly represented the dish's ingredients.
Torii’s loyal patrons and fans of Gauri Khan have also rallied in support, noting her reputation for high-end design and hospitality standards.
More Than Just a Restaurant
Gauri Khan, beyond being Shah Rukh Khan’s wife, is a well-known interior designer and film producer. Torii is one of her latest ventures in the lifestyle and hospitality space, located in the posh Pali Hill area of Mumbai.
This incident may blow over as just another social media controversy, or it could lead to a broader conversation about ingredient transparency and food testing in premium restaurants.
